AFC Project Overview

Reconstruct and improve 1.5 miles of I-95 from just south of the Betsy Ross Bridge Interchange to Ann Street, including reconstruction and reconfiguration of the Allegheny/Castor Avenue Interchange. The southbound on and off-ramps at Allegheny Avenue will be reconstructed, and the northbound off-ramp will be moved to Castor Avenue. In addition, the northbound on-ramp at Castor Avenue will be reconfigured to give access to I-95 along with a direct connection to the Betsy Ross Bridge.

CONSTRUCTION COMPLETED

Section AF1

Construction Cost: $32.1 million
General Contractor: A.P. Construction, Inc., Blackwood, New Jersey
Construction Start: 2018
Construction Completion: Late 2020

Section AF1 is the first stage in the larger reconstruction of I-95’s pavement and on-off ramps between Allegheny Avenue and Frankford Creek (I-95/AFC) that began in 2018.

I-95/AF1 Details:

Replace numerous utilities, including installation of new sub-surface gas and water mains and relocating PECO electric poles
Widen Richmond Street between Ann Street and Allegheny Avenue
Install painted crosswalks and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) ramps – with detectable warning surfaces for the visually impaired – at all intersections
Reconstruct SEPTA Westmoreland Loop trolley/bus station, including new pavement, bus shelter, trolley platforms, stormwater management, perimeter wall/fencing, and landscaping
Improve the stormwater drainage system
Replace SEPTA Route 15 trolley tracks and catenary poles from Ann Street to Westmoreland Street
Construct raised curb extensions (bump-outs) for a SEPTA trolley stop at Clearfield Street
Replace Richmond Street curbs, sidewalks, ADA curb ramps, and traffic signals
Widen and repave Melvale Street from East Clearfield Street to Wishart Street, and Emery Street from Westmoreland Street to Madison Street to provide additional on-street residential parking
Install new ornamental, pedestrian-scale street lights from Ann Street to Westmoreland Street
Plant 60-plus trees along the improved section of Richmond Street

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Section AF2

Construction Cost: $31.2 Million
General Contractor: James J. Anderson Construction, Philadelphia, PA
Construction Start: Early 2021
Construction Completion: 2023

Section AF2 will reconstruct Delaware Avenue from Allegheny Avenue to Castor Avenue, Allegheny Avenue from Richmond Street to Delaware Avenue, and Castor Avenue from Richmond Street to Delaware Avenue. Section AF2 is scheduled to be completed in 2023.

I-95/AF2 Details:

In addition to the reconstruction of the streets listed above, Section AF2 will install new signing, pavement markings, and lighting on Allegheny Avenue (Richmond Street to Delaware Avenue), Delaware Avenue (Allegheny Avenue to Castor Avenue), and Castor Avenue (Delaware Avenue to Richmond Street).

View the AF2 Design Highlights Slideshow

View the 2/25/20 AF2 ROW Meeting Slideshow

IN DESIGN

Section AF3

Construction Cost: TBD
General Contractor: TBD
Construction Start: 2025
Construction Completion: 2027

Section AF3 will reconstruct northbound I-95 and its structures between Ann Street and the Frankford Creek (near Wheatsheaf Lane). Section AF3 is in Final Design and tentatively scheduled for construction in 2025.

I-95/AF3 Details:

This section will include reconstruction of the interchanges at Allegheny Avenue and Castor Avenue. The configuration of the interchanges will be changed so that the southbound on and off-ramps will stay at Allegheny Avenue, but the northbound on and off-ramps will be located at Castor Avenue, where direct access also will be constructed to the Betsy Ross Bridge from the northbound on-ramp.

Section AF3 also will reconstruct Bath Street (Ontario Street to Schiller Street) and construct an extension of Bath Street (Schiller Street to Tioga Street).

IN DESIGN

Section AF4

Construction Cost: TBD
General Contractor: TBD
Construction Start: 2028
Construction Completion: 2031

Section AF4 will reconstruct southbound I-95 and its structures between the Frankford Creek (near Wheatsheaf Lane) and Ann Street. This section is in Final Design and tentatively scheduled for construction in 2028.

I-95/AF4 Details:

Section AF4 also will include reconstruction of the interchanges at Allegheny Avenue and Castor Avenue. The configuration of the interchanges will be changed so that the southbound on and off-ramps will stay at Allegheny Avenue, but the northbound on and off-ramps will be located at Castor Avenue, where direct access also will be constructed to the Betsy Ross Bridge from the northbound on-ramp.

The section of I-95 between Allegheny Avenue and Westmoreland Street, which currently bisects the Monkiewicz playground into two separate areas, will be placed on piers so that it is open underneath and the two halves of the playground will be reconnected. During Final Design for mainline I-95, a detailed plan for the use of this space will be developed with input from the community and the Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation.

AFC Intersection Improvements

Off-site improvements that are part of the AFC projects AF1 and AF2 will improve traffic flow on adjacent surface streets. These improvements include optimization of traffic signals on major routes, the addition of new turn lanes at certain intersections and restriction of left turns at others, and new traffic signals. Streets east of I-95 that will serve as the detour route during construction and carry the majority of truck traffic accessing the two halves of the I-95 interchange after construction also will be improved.